What You Need to Know You Before Transitioning into a Tiny House

The great thing about tiny living is that you not only get to lead a simple life, but you also tend to save more on mortgages, utilities, and other expenses. However, preparing to downsize and move into a tiny house can be daunting, and even debilitating and downright terrifying for some.

But you shouldn’t fret because it’s’s normal whenever you’re making a significant change or doing anything outside the norm. You should expect to experience a little healthy fear.

Though you shouldn’t let that fear stand in the way of your tiny house dreams. Review these top considerations before moving forward with your tiny house plan, and to successfully silence that doubtful inner critic.

Maximizing Your Tiny Space is a Must

One of the key things you need to understand is that living in a tiny house will require you to maximize every little space available to you. Often, you’ll find tiny homes maximize their height with loft bedroom. Also, multi-functional furniture is quite common.

At times you’ll have to fold up kitchen tables or break them down into smaller spaces to create room for other activities. You’ll also have to be comfortable with tight-fit bathrooms (as compared to most American homes).

It Costs More Per Square Feet Compared To Larger Houses 

You also need to know that a tiny home’s design costs more per square foot since it is more complicated than designing full-sized houses.

For instance, items such as non-DIY built-in furniture have to be custom made to ensure they maximize the small space. You’ll also find some compact appliances costing a bit higher than full-sized appliances.

Determine What’s Most Important in Your Life

You also need to know if moving into a tiny house is what you most want. It’s time you need to distinguish between what you want and what you need in life.

Identify the essential factors that complete your lifestyle and the things that help you with these. Then create a list of what you’re willing to let go of if need be.

Compiling a list of your wants versus needs is paramount when you’re planning to move to a tiny house. This also helps you to understand what’s essential in your lifestyle and living space.

Downsizing & Decluttering Can’t be Avoided

Letting go of clutter is probably the most feel-good thing about living in a tiny house. Just think about the much time you spend selecting the clothes to wear, and you end up choosing your favorites.

Getting rid of all the other clothes that you rarely wear makes your life much simpler as it means less indecision about what to wear and even less laundry.

While decluttering may be an unnerving prospect at first, it may feel hard to do away with some of the things you own.

The thing is, by deciding to live in a tiny house, you’ll have to be comfortable disposing of more than half of the junk in your home and begin making the necessary shift to less stuff (but room for more experiences!). Start by getting rid of duplicates, whether it’s that extra TV set or excess pots and pans.

Learn to Ignore the Critics

It’s also essential that you know that by choosing to live in a tiny home you’ll inevitably find some naysayers, like parents or close friends. Prepare for a long list of questions and some criticisms about your decision.

Frankly, you might need to take a short break from some of these folks so you can focus on your goals. However, now’s the time to embrace people that support and respect your decision to move into a small space.

You shouldn’t entertain negative energy around you while you’re planning to transition to a tiny house; just the thought of downsizing in a tiny house is enough pressure, so it’s better to learn to ignore critics.

Cost Of Living Realities

Living in a tiny home means you’ll be using less water and electricity than the average homeowner. This will help you save massive amounts over the year, hence reducing your cost of living. What’s more, many tiny houses can be designed to be especially water and energy-efficient by installing rainwater collection systems or solar panels.

You could offset your savings; however, if you’re forced to use energy elsewhere to perform other tasks, your tiny home is lacking.

For instance, you may be required to take your clothes to the laundromat once a month or more because you can’t fit a washer and dryer. In such a case, that extra expense will slightly increase your cost of living. Upside: it provides an opportunity to strike up a conversation with a neighbor, or enjoy a little free WiFi.

Find Your Tiny House Community

It’s also necessary to seek out other people that live in tiny homes. Such guys can offer you invaluable insights concerning construction costs, building codes, zoning, and living minimally.

You’ll need this knowledge to make your living in a tiny house hassle-free and an exciting experience.

Join a local tiny house Meetup group, as well as Facebook groups, to connect with like-minded folks across the country and world. Additionally, follow tiny house blogs and YouTube channels for tips.

Preparing for Tiny House Living

Hopefully, this information will help you better prepare for the tiny house living transition.

Importantly, don’t forget about tiny house parking! Where do you want to live?

If you would like to avoid zoning complications, make sure that you choose an area that currently allows for tiny homes. Watch the Living Tiny Legally documentary series for an understanding of the obstacles and how they’re being overcome in cities from the east to west coast.

The perfect option for secure parking without any zoning concerns are tiny home communities. Fortunately, there is a growing number to chose from in various parts of the country.